Sell a gold 20 francs
Marianne, Napoleon, the Coq and the Swiss Vreneli all share one weight and one fineness. From 1803, and still the most traded historic gold coin in Europe.
- Purity
- 900‰ (21.6 carat)
- Country
- France and Switzerland
- Gold rate
- €113.05/g
What do we pay for a Gold 20 francs (Napoleon / Vreneli)?
Based on the gold rate of this moment, €113.05 per gram of fine material. As of:
| Variant | Fine gold | Total weight | We pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 francs | 5.806 g | 6.45 g | €656.43 |
| 10 francs | 2.903 g | 3.23 g | €328.21 |
This price applies regardless of the year and the mint. With a rare year or exceptional condition the collector’s value can be higher than the material value – then we say so, even if that means you are better off not selling us the coin.
How we arrive at this amount
A coin is precious metal in a recognisable shape. What it fetches therefore depends almost entirely on the fine weight: the weight of pure gold it contains.
This coin is 900‰ (21.6 carat) pure. The rest of the alloy – usually copper – makes it harder and scratch-resistant, but has no value. That is why we calculate on the fine weight and not on what the scales say.
Marianne, Napoleon, the Coq and the Swiss Vreneli all have the same weight and the same fineness.
Not sure whether your coin is genuine? We check weight, diameter, thickness and – if in doubt – the density with X-ray analysis. Non-destructive: your coin stays intact.
Also have a look at today’s gold rate or all gold prices.
How to sell your Gold 20 francs (Napoleon / Vreneli)
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Do not polish it
With collector coins, cleaning can push the value down considerably. A natural patina belongs to them.
Bring it in
With or without an appointment, at one of our 45 locations. If the coin is in a holder, leave it in there.
We assess two values
The precious metal and what the coin itself does: year, mintage and condition. You get the higher of the two.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer. Larger amounts reach your account within 24 hours.
Also of interest
Questions about selling Gold 20 francs (Napoleon / Vreneli)
Why do all these coins weigh the same?
Because they were struck to the standard of the Latin Monetary Union, under which France, Switzerland, Belgium and Italy used one common gold specification. Every twenty-franc piece therefore holds 5.80645 grams of fine gold, whichever head appears on the obverse.
Is a Napoleon worth more than a Marianne?
For the gold value they are identical, since both hold the same 5.80645 grams of fine gold. Some early Napoleon issues and scarce years do carry a collector’s premium, and we check the date and mint mark before making the offer.
Do you buy the 10-franc pieces too?
Yes. The ten-franc coin holds 2.90323 grams of fine gold, exactly half the twenty, and has its own line in the price table on this page. We buy both denominations and value them against the gold rate of that moment.
I have a jar full of these, is that a problem?
Not at all, and it is a common sight. Do let us know in advance if you are bringing a larger quantity, so that we can have enough liquidity ready and, if you wish, fix the gold rate for an agreed period.
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A question about Gold 20 francs (Napoleon / Vreneli)?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
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Have your Gold 20 francs (Napoleon / Vreneli) valued?
Free and without obligation, at a location near you.